A Hoot Heard Around the World: Launching The Nest, The Little Owls Bakery Blog
Stephanie Barnes, the owner of Little Owls Bakery, on the set of CT Live for a cookie decorating segment in November of 2025.
Hello to all new and returning customers! My name is Stephanie Barnes and I’m a Cottage Food Operator based in Connecticut.
I’ve been the sole owner and operator of Little Owls Bakery for almost six years now. During that time, I’ve baked all sorts of treats, tested plenty of new cookie tools, and, of course, had my fair share of baking mishaps! That’s why I decided to start a monthly blog, The Nest, to share my life as an at-home baker, offer my favorite tips and tricks, and finally give you a long-overdue peek inside my kitchen!
I started Little Owls Bakery in 2020 with only a name and a life-long passion for baking and decorating. The “Little Owls Bakery” name was actually inspired by my three daughters. My first logo, which you can see below, featured the now-familiar three owls. Today my logo, designed by Krys looks quite similar, but is a bit more polished!
When I launched the business in 2020, I offered cakes and cupcakes. Although I loved baking cakes, eventually I found my true passion in sugar cookies. Since 2022, I’ve focused exclusively on crafting custom sugar cookies and I haven’t looked back since!
Over the past six years, I’ve had the opportunity to refine my craft in ways I never imagined. I’ve experimented with natural food dyes, explored new decorating techniques, and even started using a 3D printer to bring my own cookie cutters to life. At the same time, I’ve developed skills far beyond the kitchen, managing my own website, briefly publishing a newsletter, keeping up with daily Instagram posts, and even being featured in multiple articles and TV segments showcasing my cookie creations.
A fairy-themed birthday cookie set from 2025. Designed and decorated by Stephanie Barnes.
Today, I offer a range of custom cookies, along with cookie classes, monthly subscription boxes, and now…a blog! Each month, I’ll share new product highlights, trusted favorites, a behind-the-scenes look into my design process, insights into how I manage my social media, and everything in-between!
Until next time, keep baking!
Stephanie Barnes
Cookie Tip #1: Having trouble getting your cookie dough to roll out evenly? I did too! But now I use the Joseph Joseph rolling pin, which includes special measurement rings to help you roll your dough out to a perfectly even thickness. I personally use the purple ring (3/8 “ thick). And then roll my dough out between two Silpat silicone baking mats to create beautiful cookies – and no extra flour required!
Click below to check out the Joseph Joseph rolling pin on my Amazon storefront.